EPYC 9655P
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
EPYC 9655P vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X Performance Spectrum
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
EPYC 9655P vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X FPS Benchmarks
Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.
Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
EPYC 9655P vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict
See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.
EPYC 9655P
2024Why buy it
- ✅+50% larger total L3 cache (384 MB vs 256 MB).
- ✅60% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 80) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 9980X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (24,287 vs 28,666).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.8 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($10,811 MSRP vs $4,999 MSRP).
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
2025Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +13.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $5,812 less on MSRP ($4,999 MSRP vs $10,811 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 91.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.4 vs 14.8 PassMark/$ ($4,999 MSRP vs $10,811 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 350W instead of 400W, a 50W reduction.
Trade-offs
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (256 MB vs 384 MB).
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen Threadripper 9980X better than EPYC 9655P?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 9655P vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
EPYC 9655P
The EPYC 9655P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 96 cores and 192 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 384 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 400 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 160,490 points. Launch price was $10,811.
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 30 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 142,069 points. Launch price was $4,999.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9655P packs 96 cores / 192 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the EPYC 9655P has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the EPYC 9655P versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The EPYC 9655P uses the Turin (2024) architecture (4 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9655P scores 160,490 against the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X's 142,069 — a 12.2% lead for the EPYC 9655P. Multi-core Geekbench: 24,287 vs 28,666 (16.5% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). L3 cache: 384 MB (total) on the EPYC 9655P vs 256 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X.
| Feature | EPYC 9655P | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 96 / 192+50% | 64 / 128 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 5.4 GHz+20% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.2 GHz+23% |
| L3 Cache | 384 MB (total)+50% | 256 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| Architecture | Turin (2024) | Shimada Peak (2025) |
| PassMark | 160,490+13% | 142,069 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 115,098 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 3,220 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 24,287 | 28,666+18% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9655P uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6000 on the EPYC 9655P versus DDR5-6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X supports 6.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9655P supports up to 6 TB of RAM compared to 1 TB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9655P) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9655P) vs 80 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X) — the EPYC 9655P offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9655P) and sTR5,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X).
| Feature | EPYC 9655P | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | sTR5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6000 | DDR5-6400+7% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6 TB+500% | 1 TB |
| RAM Channels | 12+200% | 4 |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+60% | 80 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: AMD-V, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9655P) vs AMD-V, SVM (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). Primary use case: EPYC 9655P targets Data Center / Single Socket, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X targets HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 9655P rivals Xeon 6979P; Ryzen Threadripper 9980X rivals Xeon w9-3495X.
| Feature | EPYC 9655P | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, SEV-SNP | AMD-V, SVM |
| Target Use | Data Center / Single Socket | HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation |
Value Analysis
At launch, the EPYC 9655P was priced at $10811, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X came in at $4999. On launch pricing ($10811 vs $4999), Ryzen Threadripper 9980X was $5812 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9655P delivers 14.8 pts/$ vs 28.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X the 62.8% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9655P | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $10811 | $4999-54% |
| Performance per Dollar | 14.8 | 28.4+92% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2025 |
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